8.
Introduction (1 of 2)• The musculoskeletal system provides: – Form – Upright posture – Movement• System also protects vital internal organs – Bones, muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments are still at risk

9.
Introduction (2 of 2)• Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common reasons why patients seek medical attention. – Often easily identified because of associated pain, swelling, and deformity – Often result in short- or long-term disability

10.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System (1 of 5)• Three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac• Skeletal muscle attaches to the bones and usually crosses at least one joint. – Forms the major muscle mass of the body – Called voluntary muscle because it is under direct voluntary control of the brain

12.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System (3 of 5) • All skeletal muscles are supplied with arteries, veins, and nerves. • Skeletal muscle tissue is directly attached to the bone by tendons.

13.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System (4 of 5) • Smooth muscle performs much of the automatic work of the body. – Not under voluntary control of the brain – Contracts and relaxes to control the movement of the contents within tubular structures

14.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Musculoskeletal System (5 of 5)• Cardiac muscle is a specially adapted involuntary muscle with its own regulatory system.

15.
The Skeleton (1 of 11)• Gives us our recognizable human form• Protects our vital organs• Allows us to move• Produces blood cells• Made up of approximately 206 bones

22.
The Skeleton (8 of 11)• The pelvis supports the body weight and protects the structures within the pelvis: the bladder, rectum, and female reproductive organs.• The lower extremity consists of the bones of the thigh, leg, and foot.

25.
The Skeleton (11 of 11)• The bones of the skeleton provide a framework to which the muscles and tendons are attached.• A joint is formed wherever two bones come into contact. – Joints are held together in a capsule. – Joints are lubricated by synovial fluid.

26.
Musculoskeletal Injuries (1 of 5)• A fracture is a broken bone. – A potential complication is compartment syndrome.• A dislocation is a disruption of a joint in which the bone ends are no longer in contact.

27.
Musculoskeletal Injuries (2 of 5)• A subluxation is similar except the disruption of the joints is not complete.• A fracture-dislocation is a combination injury at the joint.

28.
Musculoskeletal Injuries (3 of 5)• A sprain is an injury to ligaments, articular capsule, synovial membrane, and tendons crossing the joint.• A strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscle, causing: – Pain – Swelling – Bruising

29.
Musculoskeletal Injuries (4 of 5)• An amputation is an injury in which an extremity is completely severed from the body.• Injury to bones and joints is often associated with injury to the surrounding tissues. – Entire area is known as the zone of injury

32.
Fractures (1 of 8)• Classified as either closed or open• Your first priority is to determine whether the overlying skin is damaged. – Treat any injury that breaks the skin as a possible open fracture.

33.
Fractures (2 of 8)• Fractures are described by whether the bone is moved from its normal position. – A nondisplaced fracture is a simple crack of the bone. – A displaced fracture produces actual deformity, or distortion, of the limb by shortening, rotating, or angulating it.

34.
Fractures (3 of 8) • Medical personnel often use the following special terms to describe particular types of fractures.

35.
Fractures (4 of 8)• Greenstick – An incomplete fracture that passes only partway through the shaft of a bone• Comminuted – A fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two fragments• Pathologic – A fracture of weakened or diseased bone

36.
Fractures (5 of 8)• Oblique – A fracture in which the bone is broken at an angle across the bone• Transverse – A fracture that occurs straight across the bone

37.
Fractures (6 of 8)• Spiral – A fracture caused by a twisting force, causing an oblique fracture around the bone and through the bone• Incomplete – A fracture that does not run completely through the bone

38.
Fractures (7 of 8) • Suspect a fracture if one or more of the following signs are present: – Deformity – Tenderness – Guarding – Swelling

40.
Dislocations (1 of 3)• Sometimes a dislocated joint will spontaneously reduce before your assessment. – Confirm the dislocation by taking a patient history. – A dislocation that does not reduce is a serious problem.

43.
Sprains (1 of 3)• A sprain occurs when a joint is twisted or stretched beyond its normal range of motion. – Alignment generally returns to a fairly normal position, although there may be some displacement. – Severe deformity does not typically occur.

46.
Strain• A strain is an injury to a muscle and/or tendon that results from a violent muscle contraction or from excessive stretching. – Often no deformity is present and only minor swelling is noted at the site of the injury.

47.
Compartment Syndrome (1 of 2)• Most often occurs with a fractured tibia or forearm of children• Typically develops within 6 to 12 hours after injury, as a result of: – Excessive bleeding – A severely crushed extremity – The rapid return of blood to an ischemic limb

48.
Compartment Syndrome (2 of 2)• This syndrome is characterized by: – Pain that is out of proportion to the injury – Pain on passive stretching of muscles within the compartment – Pallor – Decreased sensation – Decreased power

49.
Amputations• Can occur as a result of trauma or a surgical intervention• You must control bleeding and treat for shock.• Be aware of the victim’s emotional stress.

50.
Complications (1 of 3)• Orthopaedic injuries can also lead to systemic changes or illnesses.• The likelihood of having a complication is often related to the: – Strength of the force that caused the injury – Injury’s location – Patient’s overall health

51.
Complications (2 of 3)• To prevent contamination following an open fracture: – Brush away any debris on the skin – Do not enter or probe the site• Long-term disability is one of the most devastating consequences of an orthopaedic injury.

52.
Complications (3 of 3)• You can help reduce the risk or duration of long-term disability by: – Preventing further injury – Reducing the risk of wound infection – Minimizing pain by the use of cold and analgesia – Transporting patients to an appropriate medical facility

53.
Assessing the Severity of Injury (1 of 2)• The Golden Period is critical for life and for preserving limb viability. – Prolonged hypoperfusion can cause significant damage. – Any suspected open fracture or vascular injury is a medical emergency.• Most injuries are not critical. – Use a grading system.

57.
Scene Size-up (1 of 2)• Scene safety – Observe the scene for any hazards. – Identify the forces associated with the MOI. – Standard precautions involve gloves, a mask, and a gown. – Consider that there may be hidden bleeding. – Evaluate the need for additional support.

58.
Scene Size-up (2 of 2)• Mechanism of injury/nature of illness – Look for indicators of the MOI. – Be alert for both primary and secondary injuries. – Consider how the MOI produced the injuries expected.

59.
Primary Assessment (1 of 5)• Focus on identifying and managing life threats.• Form a general impression. – Introduce yourself. – Check for responsiveness using the AVPU scale. – Ask about the chief complaint.

60.
Primary Assessment (2 of 5)• Form a general impression (cont’d). – Administer high-flow oxygen to all patients whose LOC is less than alert and oriented. – Perform a rapid scan and ask about the MOI. – If there was significant trauma, the musculoskeletal injuries may be a lower priority.

61.
Primary Assessment (3 of 5)• Airway and breathing – Evaluate the chief complaint and MOI. – If a spinal injury is suspected, take the appropriate precautions and prepare for stabilization. – Oxygen may be given to relieve anxiety and improve perfusion.

62.
Primary Assessment (4 of 5)• Circulation – Determine whether the patient has a pulse, has adequate perfusion, or is bleeding. – If the skin is pale, cool, or clammy and capillary refill time is slow, treat for shock. – Maintain a normal body temperature and improve perfusion with oxygen. – Fractures can break through the skin and cause external bleeding.

63.
Primary Assessment (5 of 5)• Transport decision – Provide rapid transport if the patient has an airway or breathing problem, or significant bleeding. – A patient who has a significant MOI but whose condition appears otherwise stable should also be transported promptly. – Patients with a simple MOI may be further assessed.

64.
History Taking• Investigate the chief complaint. – Obtain a medical history and be alert for injury- specific signs and symptoms and any pertinent negatives.• Obtain a SAMPLE history for all trauma patients. – OPQRST is too lengthy when matters of ABCs require immediate attention.

65.
Secondary Assessment (1 of 4)• More detailed examination of the patient to reveal hidden injuries• Physical examinations – If significant trauma has occurred, start with a full-body scan – Begin with the head and work systematically toward the feet. – Assess the musculoskeletal system.

66.
Secondary Assessment (2 of 4)• Physical examinations (cont’d) – When lacerations are present in an extremity, consider an open fracture. – Any injury or deformity of the bone may be associated with vessel or nerve injury. – To assess neurovascular status, follow the steps in Skill Drill 29-1.

69.
Reassessment (1 of 3)• Repeat the primary assessment. – Every 5 minutes for an unstable patient – Every 15 minutes for a stable patient• Interventions – Assess the overall condition, stabilize the ABCs, and control any serious bleeding. – In a critically injured patient, secure the patient to a long backboard and transport.

70.
Reassessment (2 of 3)• Interventions (cont’d) – If the patient has no life-threatening injuries, take extra time at the scene to stabilize his or her condition. – The main goal is stabilization in the most comfortable position that allows for maintenance of good circulation distal to the injury.

71.
Reassessment (3 of 3)• Communication and documentation – Include a description of the problems found during your assessment. – Report problems with the ABCs, open fractures, and compromised circulation. – Document complete description of injuries and the MOIs associated with them.

73.
Splinting (1 of 7)• A splint is a flexible or rigid device that is used to protect and maintain the position of an injured extremity. – Splint all fractures, dislocations, and sprains before moving the patient, unless he or she is in immediate danger. – Splinting reduces pain and makes it easier to transfer and transport the patient.

76.
Splinting (4 of 7)• General principles of splinting – Remove clothing from the area. – Note and record the patient’s neurovascular status. – Cover all wounds with a dry, sterile dressing. – Do not move the patient before splinting an extremity, unless there is danger.

78.
Splinting (6 of 7)• General principles of in-line traction splinting – Act of pulling on a body structure in the direction of its normal alignment – Goals of in-line traction: • To stabilize the fracture fragments • To align the limb sufficiently • To avoid potential neurovascular compromise

79.
Splinting (7 of 7) • In-line traction splinting (cont’d) – Imagine where the uninjured limb would lie, and pull gently along the line of that imaginary limb until the injured limb is in approximately that position.

80.
Rigid Splints (1 of 4)• Made from firm material• Applied to the sides, front, and/or back of an injured extremity• Prevent motion at the injury site• Takes two EMTs to apply• Follow the steps in Skill Drill 29-3.

83.
Rigid Splints (4 of 4)• Two situations in which you must splint the limb in the position of deformity: – When the deformity is severe – When you encounter resistance or extreme pain when applying gentle traction to the fracture of a shaft of a long bone

85.
Formable Splints (2 of 2)• Drawbacks: – The zipper can stick, clog with dirt, or freeze. – Significant changes in the weather affect the pressure of the air in the splint.• Follow the steps in Skill Drills 29-4, 29-5, and 29-6.

87.
Traction Splints (2 of 4)• Do not use for any of these conditions: – Injuries of the upper extremity – Injuries close to or involving the knee – Injuries of the hip – Injuries of the pelvis – Partial amputations or avulsions with bone separation – Lower leg, foot, or ankle injury

90.
Pelvic Binder• Used to splint the bony pelvis to reduce hemorrhage from bone ends, venous disruption, and pain• Meant to provide temporary stabilization – Should be light, made of soft material, easily applied by one person, and should allow access to the abdomen, perineum, anus, and groin

91.
Pneumatic Antishock Garments (1 of 3)• Use as a splinting device if a patient has injuries to the lower extremities/pelvis.• Do not use the PASG if any of the following conditions exist: – Pregnancy – Pulmonary edema – Acute heart failure

92.
Pneumatic Antishock Garments (2 of 3)• Do not use the PASG if (cont’d): – Penetrating chest injuries – Groin injuries – Major head injuries – A transport time of less than 30 minutes• Follow the steps in Skill Drill 29-9.

94.
Hazards of Improper Splinting• Compressions of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels• Delay in transport of a patient with a life- threatening injury• Reduction of distal circulation• Aggravation of the injury• Injury to tissue, nerves, blood vessels, or muscles

95.
Transportation• Very few, if any, musculoskeletal injuries justify the use of excessive speed during transport. – A patient with a pulseless limb must be given a higher priority. – If the treatment facility is an hour or more away, transport by helicopter or immediate ground transportation.

97.
Injuries of the Clavicle and Scapula (2 of 3)• Fractures of the scapula occur much less frequently because the bone is well protected by many large muscles. – Almost always the result of a forceful, direct blow to the back – The associated chest injuries pose the greatest threat of long-term disability.

98.
Injuries of the Clavicle and Scapula (3 of 3)• These fractures can be splinted effectively with a sling and swathe.

99.
Dislocations of the Shoulder• The humeral head most commonly dislocates anteriorly.• Shoulder dislocations are very painful. – Stabilization is difficult because any attempt to bring the arm in toward the chest wall produces pain. – Splint the joint in whatever position is more comfortable for the patient.

100.
Fractures of the Humerus (1 of 2)• Occur either proximally, in the midshaft, or distally at the elbow• Consider applying traction to realign the fracture fragments before splinting them. – Splint the arm with a sling and swathe.

102.
Elbow Injuries (1 of 5)• Different types of injuries are difficult to distinguish without x-ray examinations.• Fracture of the distal humerus – Common in children – Fracture fragments rotate significantly, producing deformity and causing injuries to nearby vessels and nerves.

103.
Elbow Injuries (2 of 5) • Dislocation of the elbow – Typically occurs in athletes – The ulna and radius are most often displaced posteriorly.

104.
Elbow Injuries (3 of 5)• Elbow joint sprain – This diagnosis is often mistakenly applied to an occult, nondisplaced fracture.• Fracture of olecranon process of ulna – Can result from direct or indirect forces – Often associated with lacerations and abrasions – Patient will be unable to extend the elbow.

105.
Elbow Injuries (4 of 5)• Fractures of the radial head – Often missed during diagnosis – Generally occurs as a result of a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the lateral aspect of the elbow – Attempts to rotate the elbow or wrist cause discomfort.

107.
Fractures of the Forearm• Common in people of all age groups• Seen most often in children and elderly• Usually, both the radius and the ulna break at the same time. – Fractures of the distal radius are known as Colles fractures. – To stabilize fractures, you can use a padded board, air, vacuum, or pillow splint.

108.
Injuries of the Wrist and Hand• Must be confirmed by x-ray exams• Dislocations are usually associated with a fracture.• Any questionable wrist injury should be splinted and evaluated in the ED.• Follow the steps in Skill Drill 29-10 to splint the hand and wrist.

109.
Fractures of the Pelvis (1 of 3)• Often results from direct compression in the form of a heavy blow – Can be caused by indirect forces – Not all pelvis fractures result from trauma.• May be accompanied by life-threatening loss of blood• Open fractures are quite uncommon.

110.
Fractures of the Pelvis (2 of 3)• Suspect a fracture of the pelvis in any patient who has sustained a high-velocity injury and complains of discomfort in the lower back or abdomen.• Assess for tenderness.

112.
Dislocation of the Hip (1 of 3)• Dislocates only after significant injury• Most dislocations are posterior.• Suspect a dislocation in any patient who has been in an automobile crash and has a contusion, laceration, or obvious fracture in the knee region.

113.
Dislocation of the Hip (2 of 3)• Posterior dislocation is frequently complicated by injury to the sciatic nerve.• Distinctive signs – Severe pain in the hip – Strong resistance to movement of the joint – Tenderness on palpation

114.
Dislocation of the Hip (3 of 3)• Make no attempt to reduce the dislocated hip in the field. – Splint the dislocation. – Place the patient supine on a backboard. – Support the affected limb with pillows. – Secure the entire limb to the backboard with long straps. – Provide prompt transport.

115.
Fractures of the Proximal Femur (1 of 2)• Common fractures, especially in elderly• Break goes through the neck of the femur, the interochanteric region, or across the proximal shaft of the femur• Patients display a certain deformity. – They lie with the leg externally rotated, and the injured limb is usually shorter than the opposite, uninjured limb.

116.
Fractures of the Proximal Femur (2 of 2)• Assess the pelvis for any soft-tissue injury and bandage appropriately.• Assess pulses and motor and sensory functions.• Splint the lower extremity and transport to the emergency department.

117.
Femoral Shaft Fractures (1 of 2)• Can occur in any part of the shaft, from the hip region to the femoral condyles just above the knee joint• Large muscles of the thigh spasm in an attempt to “splint” the unstable limb.• Fractures may be open.• There is often significant blood loss.

118.
Femoral Shaft Fractures (2 of 2)• Bone fragments may penetrate or press on important nerves and vessels. – Carefully and periodically assess the distal neurovascular function.• Cover any wound with a dry, sterile dressing.• These fractures are best stabilized with a traction splint.

119.
Injuries of Knee Ligaments (1 of 2)• Many different types of injuries occur in this region. – Ligament injuries – Patella can dislocate. – Bony elements can fracture.

120.
Injuries of Knee Ligaments (2 of 2)• When you examine the patient, you will generally find: – Swelling – Occasional ecchymosis – Point tenderness at the injury site – A joint effusion• Splint all suspected knee ligament injuries.

121.
Dislocation of the Knee (1 of 2)• These are true emergencies that may threaten the limb.• Ligaments may be damaged or torn.• Direction of dislocation is the position of the tibia with respect to the femur. – Anterior dislocations – Posterior dislocations – Medial dislocations

123.
Fractures About the Knee (1 of 2)• May occur at the distal end of the femur, at the proximal end of the tibia, or in the patella• Management – If there is an adequate distal pulse and no significant deformity, splint the limb with the knee straight.

124.
Fractures About the Knee (2 of 2)• Management (cont’d) – If there is an adequate pulse and significant deformity, splint the joint in the position of deformity. – If the pulse is absent below the level of injury, contact medical control. – Never use a traction splint.

125.
Dislocation of the Patella• Most commonly occurs in teenagers and young adults in athletic activities• Usually, the dislocated patella displaces to the lateral side and exhibits a significant deformity.• Splint the knee in the position in which you find it.

126.
Injuries of the Tibia and Fibula• Tibia (shinbone) is the larger of the two leg bones, and the fibula is the smaller.• Fracture may occur at any place between the knee joint and the ankle joint. – Usually, both fracture at the same time.• Stabilize with a padded, rigid long leg splint or an air splint.

127.
Ankle Injuries (1 of 2)• The ankle is a very commonly injured joint. – Range from a simple sprain to severe fracture- dislocations• Any ankle injury that produces pain, swelling, localized tenderness, or the inability to bear weight must be evaluated by a physician.

129.
Foot Injuries (1 of 2)• Can result in the dislocation or fracture of one or more of the tarsals, metatarsals, or phalanges of the toes• Frequently, the force of injury is transmitted up the legs to the spine.• If you suspect a foot dislocation, assess for pulses and motor and sensory functions.

130.
Foot Injuries (2 of 2)• Injuries of the foot are associated with significant swelling but rarely with gross deformity.• To splint the foot, apply a rigid padded board splint, an air splint, or a pillow splint. – Leave the toes exposed.

131.
Compartment Syndrome (1 of 2)• If you have a pediatric patient with a fracture below the elbow or knee, be on the lookout for these signs/symptoms: – Extreme pain – Decreased pain sensation – Pain on stretching of affected muscles – Decreased power

133.
Amputations (1 of 2)• Surgeons can occasionally reattach amputated parts.• Make sure to immobilize the part with bulky compression dressings. – Do not sever any partial amputations. – Control any bleeding to the stump. – If bleeding cannot be controlled, apply a tourniquet.

134.
Amputations (2 of 2)• With a complete amputation, wrap the clean part in a sterile dressing and place it in a plastic bag. – Put the bag in a cool container filled with ice. – The goal is to keep the part cool without allowing it to freeze or develop frostbite.

135.
Strains and Sprains (1 of 4)• Strains – Often no deformity is present and only minor swelling is noted. – Patients may complain of: • Increased sharp pain with passive movement • Severe weakness of the muscle • Extreme point tenderness

136.
Strains and Sprains (2 of 4)• Strains (cont’d) – General treatment is similar to that of fractures and includes the following: • Rest; immobilize or splint injured area • Ice or cold pack over the injury • Compression with an elastic bandage • Elevation • Reduced or protected weight bearing • Pain management as soon as practical

137.
Strains and Sprains (3 of 4)• Sprains – Usually result from a sudden twisting of a joint beyond its normal range of motion – Majority involve the ankle or the knee – Err on the side of caution and treat every sprain as if it is a fracture.

138.
Strains and Sprains (4 of 4)• Sprains (cont’d) – Sprains are typically characterized by: • Pain • Swelling at the joint • Discoloration over the injured joint • Unwillingness to use the limb • Point tenderness – General treatment is the same for strains.

139.
Summary (1 of 6)• Skeletal or voluntary muscle attaches to bone and forms the major muscle mass of the body. This muscle contains veins, arteries, and nerves.• There are 206 bones in the human body.• A joint is a junction where two bones come into contact.

140.
Summary (2 of 6)• A fracture is a broken bone, a dislocation is a disruption of a joint, a sprain is a stretching injury to the ligaments around a joint, and a strain is a stretching of the muscle.• Fractures of the bones are classified as open or closed.

141.
Summary (3 of 6)• Fractures and dislocations are often difficult to diagnose without an x-ray examination.• Signs of fractures and dislocations include pain, deformity, point tenderness, false movement, crepitus, swelling, and bruising.

142.
Summary (4 of 6)• Signs of sprain include bruising, swelling, and an unstable joint.• Compare the unaffected extremity with the injured extremity for differences whenever possible.• There are three main types of splints used by EMTs: rigid splints, traction splints, and formable splints.

143.
Summary (5 of 6)• A sling and swathe is used commonly to treat shoulder dislocations and to secure injured upper extremities to the body. Lower extremities can be secured to the unaffected limb or to a long backboard.

146.
ReviewAnswer: BRationale: Skeletal muscle, also calledstriated muscle because of its characteristicstripes (striations), attaches to the bones andusually crosses at least one joint, forming themajor muscle mass of the body. This type ofmuscle is also called voluntary musclebecause it is under direct voluntary control ofthe brain.

147.
Review (1 of 2)1. Skeletal muscle is also referred to as: A. smooth muscle. Rationale: This is found in the walls of most tubular structures, internal organs, and the cardiovascular system. B. striated muscle. Rationale: Correct answer

148.
Review (2 of 2)1. Skeletal muscle is also referred to as: C. autonomic muscle. Rationale: This is not a term associated with the muscles. D. involuntary muscle. Rationale: Involuntary muscle is also called smooth muscle. It is not under voluntary control of the brain.

149.
Review2. You respond to a soccer game for a 16-year-old male with severe ankle pain. When you deliver him to the hospital, the physician tells you that he suspects a sprain. This means that: A. there is a disruption of the joint and the bone ends are no longer in contact. B. the patient has an incomplete fracture that passes only partway through the bone. C. stretching or tearing of the ligaments with partial or temporary dislocation of the bone ends has occurred. D. the muscles of the ankle have been severely stretched, resulting in displacement of the bones from the joint.

150.
ReviewAnswer: CRationale: A sprain is a joint injury in whichthere is both partial or temporary dislocationof the bone ends and partial stretching ortearing of the supporting ligaments. Sprainsare typically marked by swelling, pain, andecchymosis.

151.
Review (1 of 2)2. You respond to a soccer game for a 16-year-old male with severe ankle pain. When you deliver him to the hospital, the physician tells you that he suspects a sprain. This means that: A. there is a disruption of the joint and the bone ends are no longer in contact. Rationale: With a sprain, there will be a partial or temporary dislocation of the bone ends. B. the patient has an incomplete fracture that passes only partway through the bone. Rationale: With a sprain, there is no fracture associated with the injury.

152.
Review (2 of 2)2. You respond to a soccer game for a 16-year-old male with severe ankle pain. When you deliver him to the hospital, the physician tells you that he suspects a sprain. This means that: C. stretching or tearing of the ligaments with partial or temporary dislocation of the bone ends has occurred. Rationale: Correct answer D. the muscles of the ankle have been severely stretched, resulting in displacement of the bones from the joint. Rationale: A sprain is not an injury to the muscles.

153.
Review3. A young male has a musculoskeletal injury and is unresponsive. You will NOT be able to assess: A. false motion. B. distal pulses. C. capillary refill. D. sensory and motor functions.

154.
ReviewAnswer: DRationale: In order to assess sensory andmotor functions (eg, Can you feel? Can youmove?), the patient must be conscious, alert,and able to follow commands. False motion,distal pulses, and capillary refill are objectivefindings; therefore, they can be assessed inunresponsive patients.

155.
Review3. A young male has a musculoskeletal injury and is unresponsive. You will NOT be able to assess: A. false motion. Rationale: This is an objective finding. B. distal pulses. Rationale: This is an objective finding. C. capillary refill. Rationale: This is an objective finding. D. sensory and motor functions. Rationale: Correct answer

157.
ReviewAnswer: BRationale: The purpose of splinting a fractureis to prevent motion of the bony fragments,thus minimizing the possibility ofneurovascular damage. Splinting is notintended to force bony fragments intoanatomic alignment, nor will it reduce swelling(ice reduces swelling). You should never try toreduce a fracture.

158.
Review (1 of 2)4. The purpose of splinting a fracture is to: A. reduce the fracture if possible. Rationale: Reduction of a suspected fracture is a medical procedure to be performed in the hospital. B. prevent motion of bony fragments. Rationale: Correct answer

159.
Review (2 of 2)4. The purpose of splinting a fracture is to: C. reduce swelling in adjacent soft tissues. Rationale: Splinting will not reduce swelling, but cold application will. D. force the bony fragments back into anatomic alignment. Rationale: Splinting to immobilize a fracture site is not intended to force bony fragments back into alignment.

160.
Review5. A motorcyclist crashed his bike and has closed deformities to both of his midshaft femurs. He is conscious, but restless; his skin is cool and clammy; and his radial pulses are rapid and weak. The MOST appropriate splinting technique for this patient involves: A. applying rigid board splints. B. applying two traction splints. C. securing him to a long backboard. D. immobilizing his femurs with air splints.

161.
ReviewAnswer: CRationale: In this particular case, it is morepractical—and less time-consuming—tosecure the patient to a long backboard. He isin shock and requires rapid transport. Takingthe time to apply traction splints, air splints, orboard splints will only delay transport.

162.
Review (1 of 2)5. A motorcyclist crashed his bike and has closed deformities to both of his midshaft femurs. He is conscious, but restless; his skin is cool and clammy; and his radial pulses are rapid and weak. The MOST appropriate splinting technique for this patient involves: A. applying rigid board splints. Rationale: This causes undue delays in the transport of the patient. B. applying two traction splints. Rationale: This causes undue delays in the transport of the patient.

163.
Review (2 of 2)5. A motorcyclist crashed his bike and has closed deformities to both of his midshaft femurs. He is conscious, but restless; his skin is cool and clammy; and his radial pulses are rapid and weak. The MOST appropriate splinting technique for this patient involves: C. securing him to a long backboard. Rationale: Correct answer D. immobilizing his femurs with air splints. Rationale: This causes undue delays in the transport of the patient.

164.
Review6. To effectively immobilize a fractured clavicle, you should apply a(n): A. sling and swathe. B. air splint over the entire arm. C. rigid splint to the upper arm, then a sling. D. traction splint to the arm of the injured side.

165.
ReviewAnswer: ARationale: The quickest and most effectiveway to immobilize a fractured clavicle(collarbone) is to apply a sling and swathe.The sling will help minimize movement of theclavicle itself, while the swath will minimizemovement of the arm on the affected side.

166.
Review (1 of 2)6. To effectively immobilize a fractured clavicle, you should apply a(n): A. sling and swathe. Rationale: Correct answer B. air splint over the entire arm. Rationale: An air splint is not effective on a joint.

167.
Review (2 of 2)6. To effectively immobilize a fractured clavicle, you should apply a(n): C. rigid splint to the upper arm, then a sling. Rationale: A sling will not prevent the movement of the shoulder. D. traction splint to the arm of the injured side. Rationale: There is no traction splint for the arm.

168.
Review7. A patient tripped, fell, and landed on her elbow. She is in severe pain and has obvious deformity to her elbow. You should: A. assess distal pulses. B. manually stabilize her injury. C. assess her elbow for crepitus. D. apply rigid board splints to her arm.

169.
ReviewAnswer: BRationale: When caring for a patient with anorthopaedic injury, you should first manually stabilizethe injury site; this will prevent further injury. Thenassess pulse, motor functions, and sensory functionsdistal to the injury. Splint the injury using theappropriate technique, and then reassess pulse,motor functions, and sensory functions. Do notintentionally assess for crepitus; this is a coincidentalfinding that you may encounter during yourassessment and should not be elicited.

170.
Review (1 of 2)7. A patient tripped, fell, and landed on her elbow. She is in severe pain and has obvious deformity to her elbow. You should: A. assess distal pulses. Rationale: This is completed after the manual stabilization of the injury. B. manually stabilize her injury. Rationale: Correct answer

171.
Review (2 of 2)7. A patient tripped, fell, and landed on her elbow. She is in severe pain and has obvious deformity to her elbow. You should: C. assess her elbow for crepitus. Rationale: Do not intentionally assess for crepitus; this is a coincidental finding. D. apply rigid board splints to her arm. Rationale: This is completed after manual stabilization of the injury.

172.
Review8. When treating an open extremity fracture, you should: A. apply a splint and then dress the wound. B. dress the wound before applying a splint. C. irrigate the wound before applying a dressing. D. allow the material that secures the splint to serve as the dressing.

173.
ReviewAnswer: BRationale: Prior to splinting an open extremityfracture, you should cover the wound with adry, sterile dressing. This will help control anybleeding and decreases the risk of infection.Irrigating an open fracture should be avoidedin the field; this also increases the risk ofinfection—especially if foreign material isflushed into the wound.

174.
Review (1 of 2)8. When treating an open extremity fracture, you should: A. apply a splint and then dress the wound. Rationale: The dressing must come before the splint. B. dress the wound before applying a splint. Rationale: Correct answer

175.
Review (2 of 2)8. When treating an open extremity fracture, you should: C. irrigate the wound before applying a dressing. Rationale: Irrigation of an open fracture in the prehospital setting may increase the chance of infection. D. allow the material that secures the splint to serve as the dressing. Rationale: The wound must be dressed separately from the splint and before splinting is done.

177.
ReviewAnswer: ARationale: The pelvic cavity canaccommodate a large volume of blood. Shockin a patient with a pelvic injury is usually dueto injury to femoral veins or arteries. Bilateralfemur fractures can also cause severe bloodloss (up to 1 liter per femur).

178.
Review (1 of 2)9. Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries has the GREATEST risk for shock due to blood loss? A. Pelvic fracture Rationale: Correct answer B. Posterior hip dislocation Rationale: Unless the dislocation has injured the vascular system, bleeding will be contained and minimal.

179.
Review (2 of 2)9. Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries has the GREATEST risk for shock due to blood loss? C. Unilateral femur fracture Rationale: A unilateral femur fracture can lose 500 to 1,500 mL of blood. D. Proximal humerus fracture Rationale: Nerves and blood vessels can be injured, and the blood loss could be 500 mL.

180.
Review10. A patient injured her knee while riding a bicycle. She is lying on the ground, has her left leg flexed, is in severe pain, and cannot move her leg. Your assessment reveals obvious deformity to her left knee. Distal pulses are present and strong. The MOST appropriate treatment for her injury involves: A. wrapping her entire knee area with a pillow. B. splinting the leg in the position in which it was found. C. straightening her leg and applying two rigid board splints. D. straightening her leg and applying and inflating an air splint.

181.
ReviewAnswer: BRationale: The patient likely has a dislocatedknee. You should immobilize any joint injury inthe position in which it was found—especiallyif distal pulses are present and strong.Attempting to straighten a dislocated joint maycause damage to the nerves and/orvasculature.

182.
Review (1 of 2)10. A patient injured her knee while riding a bicycle. She is lying on the ground, has her left leg flexed, is in severe pain, and cannot move her leg. Your assessment reveals obvious deformity to her left knee. Distal pulses are present and strong. The MOST appropriate treatment for her injury involves: A. wrapping her entire knee area with a pillow. Rationale: Providers can wrap the knee with a pillow to splint it. It is most important to splint the joint in the position it was found. B. splinting the leg in the position in which it was found. Rationale: Correct answer

183.
Review (2 of 2)10. A patient injured her knee while riding a bicycle. She is lying on the ground, has her left leg flexed, is in severe pain, and cannot move her leg. Your assessment reveals obvious deformity to her left knee. Distal pulses are present and strong. The MOST appropriate treatment for her injury involves: C. straightening her leg and applying two rigid board splints. Rationale: The straightening of a joint injury is contraindicated if the pulses are intact. D. straightening her leg and applying and inflating an air splint. Rationale: Air splints are not effective on joint injuries that are flexed.